Pathological influence of concomitant infestation of Cystoisospora SP. and Giardia SP. in dogs

Research on the clinical analysis of protein and cobalamin malabsorption in dogs with protozoal pathology in 83 animals of various breeds and ages has been carried out. There were 44 dogs under the age of 3 years with established intestinal protozoa. 19 of them were found to be parasitized by Giardia sp., 18 by Cystoisospora sp., and 7 dogs were found to be parasitized by Giardia sp. and Cystoisospora sp., as well as 39 dogs from 8 to 12 years old, with confirmed intestinal protozoosis: in 22 Giardia sp., in 11 - Cystoisospora sp. Combined invasion of Giardia sp. and Cystoisospora sp. observed in 6 dogs. Changes in blood biochemical parameters, blood folate levels were evaluated, and structural changes in the mucous membrane of the small intestine in dogs with combined invasion of Cystoisospora sp. and Giardia sp. Young dogs and animals 8-12 years old, invaded by intestinal protozoa, had a decrease in the level of urea, total protein, albumin and globulin, and cholesterol. The bile acid level remained within the normal range. Among dogs with confirmed giardiosis, a decrease in vitamin B12 levels was noted in 73.7%, with isosporosis - in 88.8%, and with combined invasion in 100% of animals. Biopsy specimens of 6 young dogs parasitized by Giardia sp. showed predominantly duodenitis with moderate changes in accordance with the recommendations of the WSAVA Gastrointestinal Standardization Group (2008). Two dogs showed marked duodenitis in the samples. In older animals, a pronounced process became predominant. In dogs with Cystoisospora sp. was established duodenitis with moderate changes.